Tuesday, September 6, 2011

It was 50 degrees when I arose this morning! The calendar says twenty or so days until autumn but the weather says "autumn has arrived". I thought it best to bring in a few lace cap hydrangeas to dry and enjoy over the winter. There are a number of techniques for drying these lovely flowers. Mine is very simple. Cut them from the bush, remove the green leaves and plop them in a vase. No water! I just sit them where they are to "bloom" over the winter and that's it. As they dry, more of the flowers will turn a rusty pink.

This is a favorite vase in which to display the dried arrangement. If you click on the photo below, you will see tiny dancers cavorting around the vase. I purchased it at the Virginia Artisans' shop which used to be just off I-64 next to the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro, Virginia. Alas, it is no longer there. I'm not sure if it is a different location or if it closed. I loved having that source for purchasing wonderful pieces by Virginia artists.

Sending prayers and comforting thoughts to all of you who are going through the wild fires in Texas and the deluge of rain, wind and tornadoes that are wreaking havoc around the country. Be safe!